|
Prior to graduating from the U of O this last spring I spent my last year studying abroad in Uppsala, Sweden. This was, perhaps unsurprisingly, a remarkable experience that left me permanently changed, and I would like to think, for the better. It is difficult to accurately express to those who have not spent an extended period of time in another country what impact such a change in surroundings can have on your perspective.
As such, I am encouraging as many undergraduates as possible to pursue a quarter or year studying abroad. In this spirit I have been contacting all of the professors whom I thought might share an interest in encouraging their students to go abroad. The entire process of applying and preparing for a year abroad was surprisingly easy and uncomplicated. If you do want to encourage any of your students to go abroad, send them to the international office at 330 Oregon hall.
I was also very lucky during my stay in Sweden to receive a Gilman scholarship to help pay my expenses for the year. The Gilman scholarship is administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE), the same organization responsible for Fulbright scholarships. Gilman scholarships are only available to Pell grant eligible students, but can range up to $5000 depending on the costs associated with the study abroad program.
The Gilman website can be found at
http://www.iie.org//programs/gilman/index.html.
If you, or any of your students have questions related to studying abroad or the Gilman program, please either contact the international office or send me an email at jlafky@gmail.com.
|
|
